HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Overcoming injuries can be a pain

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By Nic Ekland, Xavier junior 

CEDAR RAPIDS - Athletes subject their bodies to pain and test their mental toughness daily.

One of the most difficult challenges an injured athlete faces  is having to watch teammates participate in a sport they love.

Xavier junior football player Nate Lux was injured Sept. 6 during a game against Cedar Rapids Jefferson.

'It was a routine play," he said. "I went to make a tackle, but my knee went in and my leg went out'

Lux tore ACL, which means he is out for six months. He remains optimistic.

'Sitting on the sideline, watching my friends play a game that I love is really hard, but I know I can help my team in other ways,' Lux said. 'Tearing my ACL just makes me want to come back stronger.'

Xavier junior soccer payer Mason Hoxie had a similar situation. Hoxie fractured his fibula and tore a ligament in his foot playing soccer for his club team over the summer.

'It was really hard going through the halls with crutches, but now that I am in a boot, it is a lot easier,' Hoxie said.

It can be very humbling to think all an athlete has worked for can be taken away in a second.

'You never know when things can get taken away from you," Hoxie said.  "I would say to never take anything for granted.'

Athletes need to embrace every aspect of their sport, even the obstacles that might get in the way of goals.